Methods and Apparatus for Forming and Connecting Cryoprobes for use with Cryosurgical Treatment Systems
Methods and apparatus for connecting disposable and non-disposable portions of a cryoprobe for use with a cryosurgical treatment system. Representative cryoprobes can include a disposable and non-disposable portion joined with a connector such as a coupler for connecting a single disposable portion to a single non-disposable portion. A representative coupler can include coupler ports into which connecting ends of fluid delivery tubes within the disposable and non-disposable portions can fluidly connect. A manifold mounting plate can include a plurality of slots into which disposable portions can be fluidly interconnected to non-disposable portions.
1 . A manifold mounting plate for connecting a plurality of cryoprobes for use in a cryosurgical procedure, comprising:
a plurality of manifold slots; and
a non-disposable cryoprobe portion located in each manifold slot, each non-disposable cryoprobe portion including a delivery tube and a return channel.
2 . The manifold mounting plate of claim 1 ; further comprising:
vacuum insulation for insulating the plurality of manifold slots.
3 . The manifold mounting plate of claim 2 , wherein the vacuum insulation individually surrounds each manifold slot.
4 . The manifold mounting plate of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of manifold slots are arranged in a 2×4 slot arrangement.
5 . A cryosurgical system for performing cryosurgical procedures, comprising:
a control console including a refrigerant and a compressor for pressurizing the refrigerant;
a manifold mounting plate having a plurality of manifold slots, each manifold slot having a non-disposable cryoprobe portion including a delivery tube and a return channel fluidly connected to the control console; and
a plurality of disposable cryoprobe portions including a including an end refrigerant delivery tube and an end refrigerant return channel, wherein the plurality of disposable cryoprobe portions are fluidly interconnected to the non-disposable cryoprobe portions in each manifold slot.
6 . The cryosurgical system of claim 5 , wherein the manifold mounting plate further includes vacuum insulation for insulating the plurality of manifold slots.
7 . The cryosurgical system of claim 6 , wherein the vacuum insulation individually surrounds each manifold slot.
8 . The cryosurgical system of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of manifold slots are arranged in a 2 x 4 slot arrangement.
9 . The cryosurgical system of claim 5 , wherein the manifold mounting plate is operably mounted to an articulating arm.
10 . The cryosurgical system of claim 5 , wherein the end refrigerant delivery tube includes a capillary tube for expanding the refrigerant in the disposable cryoprobe portion.
11 . A method of centralizing the connection of cryoprobes in a cryosurgical system comprising:
providing a manifold mounting plate having a plurality of manifold slots, each manifold slot including a non-disposable cryoprobe portion having a delivery tube and a return channel;
attaching at least one disposable cryoprobe portion to at least one of the non-disposable cryoprobe portion such that a capillary tube fluidly connects to the delivery tube and a return pathway fluidly connects to the return channel; and
supplying a high pressure refrigerant to the delivery tube such that the high pressure refrigerant is expanded in the capillary tube to cool a tip of the at least one disposable portion.
12 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising:
removing the at least one disposable cryoprobe portion from the manifold mounting plate; and
disposing of the at least one disposable cryoprobe portion.
13 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising:
mounting the manifold mounting plate to an articulating arm.
14 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising:
insulating the non-disposable cryoprobe portions.
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein insulating the non-disposable cryoprobe portions includes individually insulating each non-disposable cryoprobe portion.